Sri Lanka Floods and Landslides: Cyclone Ditwah Causes 56 Deaths; Red Alert Issued for Colombo

Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its worst weather disasters in recent years, as heavy rains, triggered and exacerbated by Cyclone Ditwah, have caused widespread floods and deadly landslides this week.

At least 56 people have been killed, with 21 people currently missing. A landslide in the central tea-growing district of Badulla crashed onto homes overnight, killing 21 people. Nearly 44,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather conditions.

Approximately 20,500 army troops have been deployed across the country to assist with relief and rescue operations. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) warned residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as river levels continue to rise. A Red Level flood warning has been issued for the Kelani River valley's low-lying areas, which includes parts of the capital, Colombo, over the next 48 hours.

The Sri Lankan Air Force conducted multiple helicopter rescues, including airlifting a man who had been sheltering atop a coconut tree overnight after the Kala Wewa reservoir overflowed in Anuradhapura.

During a parliamentary session, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that a bus was stranded near the Kala Wewa due to dangerous conditions. Armed forces, including a helicopter, were authorized for the rescue.

Most train services have been cancelled since 06:00 on Friday, and key roads connecting provinces have been closed. The Advanced Level (A-levels) exams have been postponed. More than 200 mm (7.8inch) of rain was expected in some central and northern parts of the island on Friday.

While Sri Lanka is in its monsoon season, the extreme level of this weather event is considered rare. The report notes the region is also experiencing severe flooding across Indonesia and Thailand.